DNR busts dozens illegally catching whitefish

MUSKEGON, Mich. — State officials caught more than two dozen people illegally taking whitefish from piers in Grand Haven, Muskegon and Whitehall over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Sgt. Jeff Rabbers of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Law Enforcement Division says about 25 to 30 people were ticketed and 50 to 70 fish seized.

The Muskegon Chronicle reports those involved were allegedly catching whitefish during the annual spawning run from Lake Michigan up western Michigan rivers. Rabbers says it's "an ongoing problem" and undercover plainclothes officers were used to catch violators.

It's illegal to keep whitefish hooked in areas other than their mouths or to use baits with extra weights. Fishing gear was confiscated and those involved face fines.